Manager's anger as burglar targets Portsmouth brain injury charity shop

A burglar smashed through a back door to get into Headway, in High Street, Cosham, between 5pm on Wednesday, and 9am on Thursday.

Gaenor Markwick, manager at the shop that raises cash to support people with brain injuries, said she found the till drawer on the shop floor and back door hanging off when she arrived,

She said: ‘I lost count how many people we turned away.

‘It’s stopped the business running and with the business not running we’re not raising funds to send to the centre that’s going to help the people with the injuries.’

She added: ‘I’m angry that somebody could do this, not just because it’s a charity shop, but because there are people with needs who work here, and it’s more the impact for them that I’m more upset about because they’re safe here and I don’t want them not to be safe.’

The store had just moved from its previous site in High Street, having opened on May 3.

It was a major blow for the staff and volunteers as it happened in the middle of Action for Brain Injury Week, which runs until Sunday.

Trading director Joy Ward added: ‘We’re all absolutely devastated.

‘It is difficult to believe that someone could be so cruel as to vandalise and steal from a charity shop, especially during Action for Brain Injury Week.’

Joy added: ‘We are determined to bounce back from this demoralising incident and we guarantee a very warm welcome to anyone who would like to donate some now much-needed stock.’

Anyone with information should call PC David Ronchetti at Cosham police station on 101 quoting 44160177922.